Key Legislative Changes Impacting Virginia Employers

Several new Virginia employment laws are set to take effect in 2026, bringing important changes that employers should understand and prepare for. Among the most significant is a new pay transparency requirement that will require employers to include a good-faith salary range in job postings and prohibit employers from requesting or relying upon an applicant's salary history during the hiring process. The legislation is intended to promote pay equity and provide greater transparency for job seekers.

Virginia also approved new restrictions on noncompete agreements. Beginning July 1, employers seeking to enforce noncompete agreements with employees terminated without cause must provide severance benefits or other monetary compensation that was disclosed when the agreement was executed. Employers should review existing employment agreements and consult legal counsel regarding compliance requirements.

In addition, Virginia's minimum wage increased to $12.77 per hour on January 1, 2026, with additional increases scheduled in future years. Other legislation expands wage payment protections and employer recordkeeping requirements in certain circumstances. Taken together, these changes underscore the importance of employers reviewing hiring practices, compensation policies, employee handbooks, and employment agreements to ensure compliance with evolving state labor laws.

As always, employers are encouraged to consult qualified legal counsel or human resource professionals regarding the application of these laws to their specific circumstances.